My name is Gigi and I am a Christian...proud and unapologetic. I was a lifelong Catholic - up until a few years ago when the priest sexual abuse scandal hit a bit too close to home. And rocked my very foundation of beliefs. But by the GRACE of my Lord Jesus Christ, I am finding my way back - not to Catholicism, but to my Savior. This is my journey...I would love it if you would share it with me. Sit with me for awhile, won't you...in the Throne Room of the Lord.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

One down...

So my Sweet Hubby's first chemo treatment was...uneventful! Praise God! We were there for two hours during which time they drew labs, started his IV, began a normal saline drip, infused dexamethasone and then... - "the magic beans" - Gemcitabine!!

Tonight will be my Sweet Hubby's 8th dose of Tarceva. The pharmacist mentioned the 8th dose seems to be the time when a lot of patients develop the "rash" that is a common side effect of this medicine. We'll see. The doctor mentioned that the rash is actually a "good sign" that the drug is getting to the receptors. The literature I've read said that the rash could develop over the first few weeks of treatment. Who ever thought you'd see the day when you WANTED a rash??!! Especially one that presents like acne...

We just thank God for the knowledge of our physician, the kindness of his nurses and office staff, the diligence of our pharmacy tech...They have all been wonderful. And as always, we are most grateful to all of you for your uplifting prayers - you have no idea how much they get us through each and every day!

On July 8, 2008 my Sweet Hubby was hospitalized for what we thought was a bleeding ulcer. On July 10, 2008 he was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer with metastases to his liver. Truly a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear...

From the very hour he was diagnosed, we determined that we would continue to place our trust and faith in the Lord and seek to always honor and glorify Him. Yes, even (especially!) in the midst of chaos. One thing that we KNOW for sure is that God is good ALL the time! We are blessed...

**I've been putting off the update to my intro for quite some time now. But delaying it doesn't change the truth...my new reality. On November 9th, 2008, my Sweet Hubby went to be with Jesus. I miss him every minute of every hour of every day. And I will, until I close my eyes for the last time on this earth only to reopen them in Paradise and see His face...and the face of my beloved once again. But for now, I pray to know God's will for me that I might be used to glorify Him.